PETALING JAYA: Selangor had to pull every string to secure Jordan’s Under-23 captain and striker Reziq Bani Hani (pic) just before the deadline ended.
The move was completed before Saturday midnight but not after some anxious moments.
The 22-year-old Bani Hani said it was not easy as Friday was a holiday in Jordan, but thanks to his agent, former club Al-Faisaly and Selangor sealed the deal.
“It was not easy but I am glad everyone made it happen. In Jordan, every Friday is a holiday but everyone worked hard to ensure I made the move to Selangor before the transfer window closed,” said the youngster, who played for Al-Faisaly for two seasons.
The Red Giants were looking for a No. 9 to play alongside Chilean forward Ronnie Fernandez and Bani Hani fitted the bill, especially after his performances in the AFC Champions League last season.
In six matches, Bani Hani scored two goals and made two assists in the group stages.
Bani Hani, who played in the recently concluded AFC Under-23 Asian Cup, said he joined Selangor because of their good reputation.
“They have a good name back home. They signed several Jordanians in the past like Yazan Al-Arab and Baha Abdelrahman.
“They still have Noor Al-Rawabdeh too. All these players have spoken well about the club.
“I can see how professional they are and my goal is to help them do well in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) this season and also help win domestic trophy.
“Malaysian football is also improving. The league is pretty solid with some good foreign signings. I cannot wait to get started,” said the player who is also able to play as a winger.
“I come from a big club in Jordan and now, I am joining one of the biggest teams in Malaysia. So the expectation will always be there to win.”
Besides Bani Hani, Selangor’s other new foreign signings are Fernandez, Cape Verdean winger Alvin Fortes and Uzbekistan centreback Umar Eshmurodov.
The foreigners retained are Venezuelan playmaker Yohandry Orozco, Singaporean centreback Safuwan Baharuddin, Ghanaian midfielder Alex Agyarkwa and Rawabdeh.
